Angela Collins
Angela Collins, Researcher
Department
Marine Fisheries Biology
Location
St. Petersburg
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Degrees / Certifications
University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
PhD - Program In Progress, August 2007 – present
University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Master of Science Degree, July 2005
Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL
Bachelor of Science degree, December 1998
Education / Experience
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
May 2005 – present
Assistant Research Scientist
Responsibilities: Principal Investigator (PI) for Goliath grouper Cooperative Research Project (CRP); Lead biologist and subsequent PI for Hogfish CRP
Mote Marine Laboratory
May 2003 – May 2005
Staff biologist
Responsibilities: Tracking sharks and rays with acoustic telemetry
University of South Florida
Teaching assistant, August 2002 – June 2003
Responsibilities: Taught Biology Lab (I and II)
Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON)
October 2000 - June 2002
Research Assistant
Responsibilities: Scientific diver for monitoring station in Gulf of Mexico
Walt Disney World
January 1999 - October 2000
Aquarist for Epcot Center’s The Living Seas
Responsibilities: Animal care, public interaction, aquarium maintenance
Recent Projects / Interview Body
What are you working on now?
My primary interests focus on reef fish ecology. My first project at FWRI investigated the life history of hogfish, and I am currently working on the Goliath grouper cooperative research project. This project is investigating abundance and distribution of goliath grouper within the offshore waters of the central eastern Gulf of Mexico.
How is this information beneficial?
Goliath grouper are a protected species, which means that typical methods used to monitor the status of the stock (i.e., landings data) are not available. My project addresses this issue using underwater visual surveys to quantify the density and size distribution of goliath grouper at specific sites over time. This information can be used to help assess the state of the goliath grouper population within the study region.
Was this your original career interest?
Why or why not? Marine biology has been my career interest for as long as I can remember. ..I narrowed it down to fish ecology pretty early on. Why? Because fish are cool.
What is your biggest accomplishment?
Being able to do what I love to do every day.
What do you like most about your career?
I am never, ever bored.
What do you like least about your career?
I am never, ever bored.
What are some of your biggest challenges?
The weather and the animals don’t always cooperate with your research plans.
What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in your field?
Work hard, read a lot, and always remember to use eardrops (50:50, isopropyl: vinegar) when you get out of the water.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Anything underwater!
To learn more about Angela's current research on goliath grouper, read the September/October 2009 research spotlight article "Diving into goliath grouper research."
